Dynamic, fire-resistance-rated thermally insulating and sealing system having a F-Rating of a min. of 120 min for use with curtain wall structures

ABSTRACT

Described is an approved dynamic construction for effectively thermally insulating and sealing of a safing slot between a floor of a building and an exterior wall construction wherein the exterior wall construction comprises a curtain wall configuration defined by an interior wall surface. The dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system comprises a tubular sealing element having wing-like connection areas for attaching the tubular sealing element to the curtain wall construction and the floor of a building, to maintain thermally insulating and sealing of the safing slot during exposure to fire and heat as well as movement in order to maintain a complete seal extending across the safing slot and to enhance the water-stopping properties of the insulation and seal within the safing slot.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of constructions, assembliesand systems designed to thermally and acoustically insulate and seal asafing slot area defined between a curtain wall and the individualfloors of a building. In particular, the present invention relates to adynamic, fire-resistance-rated thermally insulating and sealing systemhaving a F-Rating of a min. of 120 min for use with curtain wallstructures having the a common curtain wall design including foil-facedcurtain wall insulation, a steel back pan design or which include glass,especially vision glass extending to the finished floor level below.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Curtain walls are generally used and applied in modern buildingconstructions and are the outer covering of said constructions in whichthe outer walls are non-structural, but merely keep the weather out andthe occupants in. Curtain walls are usually made of a lightweightmaterial, reducing construction costs and weight. When glass is used asthe curtain wall, a great advantage is that natural light can penetratedeeper within the building.

A curtain wall generally transfers horizontal wind loads that areincident upon it to the main building structure through connections atfloors or columns of the building. Curtain walls are designed to resistair and water infiltration, sway induced by wind and seismic forcesacting on the building and its own dead load weight forces. Curtainwalls differ from storefront systems in that they are designed to spanmultiple floors, and take into consideration design requirements such asthermal expansion and contraction, building sway and movement, waterdiversion, and thermal efficiency for cost-effective heating, cooling,and lighting in the building.

There are different types of curtain wall structures, e.g. curtain wallstructures having a common curtain wall design including a foil-facedcurtain wall insulation, a steel back pan design or which include glass,especially vision glass extending to the finished floor level below.

A typical curtain wall configuration comprises a profiled framework ofvertical studs, so called mullions, and horizontal studs, so calledtransoms. The space between these profiles is filled either with glasspanels within the window area or spandrel panels within the front of thefloors. A common spandrel design comprises a pre-manufactured metal panfilled with insulating material. The remaining gap between spandrel andfloor has to be sealed against fire, smoke and sound and withstandcertain movement.

Curtain wall structures including an interior panel such as a back panor other similar construction which can be of metal or other materialextending across the interior surface of a curtain wall are common inmodular designs. The interior panels of a curtain wall are generallymade from a metal or insulation material which can easily bend, distortor be otherwise deformed when exposed to strong winds or elevatedtemperatures, such as intensive sunlight or heat, such as in the eventof a fire. Bending, distorting or deforming of these interior panels canresult in significant problems in attempting to maintain a completethermal insulation and seal within the safing slots between the outeredges of the floor construction and the exterior curtain wallconstruction during a storm or fire. In particular, maintaining of acomplete thermal insulation and seal at all time during a fire isimportant to prevent heat, smoke and flames from spreading from onefloor to an adjacent floor. Further, it is important to prevent waterinfiltration as well as to inhibit water transfer within the buildingstructures and to enhance water-tightness of the safing slot sealingsystem, i.e. in general it is important to enhance the water-stoppingproperties of the insulation and seal within the safing slot.

The gap between the floor and the interior wall surface of a curtainwall defines a safing slot, also referred to as perimeter slab edge(void) or perimeter joint, extending between the interior wall surfaceof the curtain wall construction and the outer edge of the floor. Thissafing slot is essential to slow the passage of fire and combustiongases between floors. Therefore, it is of great importance to improvefire stopping at the safing slot in order to keep heat, smoke and flamesfrom spreading from one floor to an adjacent floor. It is important tonote that the firestop at the perimeter slab edge is considered acontinuation of the fire-resistance-rating of the floor slab. Ingeneral, the standard fire test method NFPA 285 provides a standardizedfire test procedure for evaluating the suitability of exterior, non-loadbearing wall assemblies and panels used as components of curtain wallassemblies, and that are constructed using combustible materials or thatincorporate combustible components for installation on buildings wherethe exterior walls have to pass the NFPA 285 test.

In order to obtain certified materials, systems and assemblies used forstructural fire-resistance and separation of adjacent spaces tosafeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within a building and thespread of fire to or from the building, the International Building CodeIBC 2012 provides minimum requirements to safeguard the public health,safety and general welfare of the occupants of new and existingbuildings and structures. According to the International Building CodeIBC 2012 Section 715.4, voids created at the intersection of theexterior curtain wall assemblies and such floor assemblies shall besealed with an approved system to prevent the interior spread of firewhere fire-resistance-rated floor or floor/ceiling assemblies arerequired. Such systems shall be securely installed and tested inaccordance with ASTM E 2307 to provide an F-rating for a time period atleast equal to the fire-resistance-rating of the floor assembly.

However, there is a code exception that states that voids created at theintersection of the exterior curtain wall assemblies and such floorassemblies, where the vision glass extends to the finished floor level,shall be permitted to be sealed with an approved material to preventinterior spread of fire. Such material shall be securely installed andcapable of preventing the passage of flame and hot gasses sufficient toignite cotton waste when subjected to ASTM E 119 time-temperature fireconditions under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inchof water column for the time period at least equal to thefire-resistance-rating of the floor assembly.

Although some glass and frame technologies have been developed that arecapable of passing applicable fire test and building code requirements,there is hardly any system that addresses the exception stated in theInternational Building Code IBC 2012 Section 715.4 and fulfills the codesection ASTM E 2307 full-scale testing. There are very few complicatedcurtain wall systems known that address above mentioned exception and atthe same time comply with the requirements according to ASTMDesignation: E 1399-97 (Reapproved 2005), in particular having amovement classification of class IV. Class IV is a combination ofthermal, wind, sway and seismic movement types. These have been testedaccording to the invention in both horizontal and vertical conditions.The E 1399, Standard Test Method for Cyclic Movement and Measuring theMinimum and Maximum Joint Widths of Architectural Joint Systems, is usedfor simulation of movements of the ground, such as for example anearthquake, or even movements under high wind load or life load.

However, there is no system known that is used in a curtain wallstructure that provides additionally a dynamic system complying withASTM E 1399, such as for example a curtain wall structure defined by aninterior wall surface, which includes an interior panel, such as a backpan, extending over the interior surface thereof and at least one floorspatially disposed from the inner wall surface, thereby sealing of thesafing slot between the floor and the back pan of this curtain wall,which extends between the interior wall surface of the interior paneland the outer edge of the floor, in particular when vision glass isemployed. Said safing slot is needed to compensate dimensionaltolerances of the concreted floor and to allow movement between thefloor and the façade element caused by load, such by life, seismic orwind load.

Further, there are a lot of sealing systems known that use only mineralwool for isolating purposes. However, mineral wool itself is notwatertight and has to be coated or otherwise impregnated beforeemploying it within a safing slot of a curtain wall structure to preventwater infiltration as well as to inhibit water transfer within thebuilding structures and to enhance water-tightness of the safing slotsealing system. Therefore, there is a need for alternative safing slotfilling system, which addresses the above and hence, enhances thewater-stopping properties of the insulation and seal within the safingslot.

Due to the increasingly strict requirements regarding fire-resistance aswell as horizontal and vertical movement, there is a need for a dynamic,thermally and acoustically insulating and sealing system for a curtainwall structure that is capable of meeting or exceeding existing firetest and building code requirements and standards including existingexceptions. In particular, there is a need for systems that prevent thespread of fire when vision glass of a curtain wall structure extends tothe finished floor level below even when exposed to certain movements(complying with the requirements for a class IV movement).

Moreover, there is a need for systems that improve fire-resistance aswell as sound-resistance, and have, at the same time, enhancedwater-stopping properties and can be easily integrated duringinstallation of the curtain wall structure. In particular, there is aneed for dynamic, fire-resistance-rated thermally insulating and sealingsystems that additionally address water infiltration as well asinhibition of water transfer within the building structures and enhancethe water-tightness of the safing slot sealing system.

Further, there is a need for systems that can be easily installed withina safing slot, where, for example, access is only needed from one side,implementing a one-sided application.

Still further there is a need for systems, that can be either easilyemployed in a stick-built exterior dynamic curtain wall façade or usedduring the assembling a unitized panel for use within an exteriordynamic curtain wall assembly, making it easier for the installers toinstall the pre-assembled curtain wall panel on the job side.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system foreffectively thermally insulating and sealing of a safing slot within abuilding construction, having a curtain wall construction defined by aninterior wall surface including one or more framing members and at leastone floor spatially disposed from the interior wall surface of thecurtain wall construction.

Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide afull-scale ASTM E 2307 as well as ASTM E 1399 tested system for floorassemblies, especially where the vision glass extends to the finishedfloor level, to address the code exception, to avoid letters andengineering judgments, and to secure and provide defined/testedarchitectural detail for this application, in particular, by providing atested system for fire- as well as movement-safe architecturalcompartmentation.

Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide asystem that can be easily installed within a safing slot, where, forexample, access is only needed from one side, implementing a one-sidedapplication.

Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide asystem that can be employed in a stick-built exterior dynamic curtainwall façade or used in assembling a unitized panel for use within anexterior dynamic curtain wall.

Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide asystem that has improved fire-resistance as well as sound-resistance,and has at the same time enhanced water-stopping properties and can beeasily integrated during installation of the curtain wall structure.Further, the object is to provide a fire-resistance-rated thermallyinsulating and sealing system that additionally addresses waterinfiltration as well as inhibition of water transfer within the buildingstructures and enhancement of water-tightness of the safing slot sealingsystem.

These and other objectives as they will become apparent from theensuring description of the invention are solved by the presentinvention as described in the independent claims. The dependent claimspertain to preferred embodiments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a dynamic, thermallyinsulating and sealing system for effectively thermally insulating andsealing of a safing slot within a building construction having a curtainwall construction defined by an interior wall surface including at leastone vertical and at least one horizontal framing member and at least onefloor spatially disposed from the interior wall surface of the curtainwall construction defining the safing slot extending between theinterior wall surface of the curtain wall construction and an outer edgeof the floor, comprising a tubular sealing element comprising athermally resistant flexible foam material for insulating and sealing,the tubular sealing element positioned in the safing slot, wherein thetubular sealing element includes a bottom side cover; a top side cover;whereby the top side cover is connected at two positions, spatiallydisposed from each other, to the bottom side cover; and whereby thebottom side cover and the top side cover surround the thermallyresistant flexible foam material; a first connection area for attachingthe tubular sealing element to the interior wall surface of the curtainwall construction; and a second connection area for attaching thetubular sealing element to the outer edge of the floor.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a buildingconstruction comprising said thermally insulating and sealing system.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a dynamic,thermally insulating and sealing system, wherein the dynamic, thermallyinsulating and sealing system is for use within a stick-built exteriordynamic curtain wall façade or in assembling a unitized panel for usewithin an exterior dynamic curtain wall assembly.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a dynamic,thermally insulating and sealing system that enhances the water-stoppingproperties of the insulation and seal within the safing slot.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a tubular sealingelement for use within curtain wall constructions.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a dynamic,thermally insulating and sealing system, which is suitable foracoustically insulating and sealing of a safing slot of a curtain wallstructure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The subject matter of the present invention is further described in moredetail by reference to the following figures:

FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thedynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system with the tubularsealing element arranged between the outer edge of a floor and theinterior wall surface of the curtain wall construction, when initiallyinstalled and attached to a horizontal framing member (transom at floorlevel, i.e. zero spandrel) in a curtain wall construction, wherein thevision glass extends to the finished floor level below.

FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the tubular sealing element,wherein the tubular sealing element has a rectangular cross section andcomprises a top side laminate and a bottom side laminate.

FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thetubular sealing element, wherein the tubular sealing element has arectangular cross section and comprises a top side cover and a bottomside cover.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the tubular sealing element of FIG.3.

FIG. 5 shows the bottom view of the tubular sealing element of FIGS. 3and 4, wherein the bottom side cover comprises several openings.

FIG. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thedynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system with the tubularsealing element arranged between the outer edge of a floor and theinterior wall surface of a standard curtain wall construction.

FIG. 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thedynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system with the tubularsealing element arranged between the outer edge of a floor and theinterior wall surface of a curtain wall construction having a steel backpan design.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thetubular sealing element having a trapezoidal cross section and a convextop side cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following terms and definitions will be used in the context of thepresent invention:

As used in the context of present invention, the singular forms of “a”and “an” also include the respective plurals unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, the term “a” or “an” is intended to mean “oneor more” or “at least one”, unless indicated otherwise.

The term “curtain wall structure” or “curtain wall construction” incontext with the present invention refers to a wall structure defined byan interior wall surface including one or more framing members and atleast one floor spatially disposed from the interior wall surface of thecurtain wall construction. In particular, this refers to curtain a wallstructure having a common curtain wall design including foil-facedcurtain wall insulation, a steel back pan design or which includesglass, especially vision glass extending to the finished floor levelbelow.

The term “safing slot” in context with the present invention refers tothe gap between a floor and the interior wall surface of the curtainwall construction as defined above; it is also referred to as “perimeterslab edge” or “perimeter joint”, extending between the interior wallsurface of the curtain wall construction and the outer edge of thefloor.

The term “interior wall surface” in context with the present inventionrefers to the inner facing surface of the curtain wall construction asdefined above, for example to the inner facing surface of the infilledvision glass and the inner facing surface of the framing members.

The term “connection area”, also considered as an “attachment area”, incontext with the present invention refers to from the main body of thetubular sealing element outwardly projecting flexible wings or tabs,which constitute of parts of the bottom side cover and the top sidecover (wing-like), which surround the foam material (main body). Theconnection areas are preferably positioned at upper corners of the mainbody in an area where the bottom side cover is connected to the top sidecover.

The term “enhancing water-stopping properties” in context with thepresent invention refers to the prevention of water infiltration as wellas to inhibition of water transfer within the building structures and toenhancing water-tightness of the safing slot sealing system.

It has been surprisingly found out that the dynamic, thermallyinsulating and sealing system according to the present inventionprovides for a system that addresses the code exception and meets therequirements of standard method ASTM E 2307, Standard Test Method forDetermining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers UsingIntermediate-Scale, Multi-story Apparatus, 2015 as well as complies withthe requirements of standard method ASTM E 1399-97 (Reapproved 2005),Standard Test Method for Cyclic Movement and Measuring the Minimum andMaximum Joint Widths of Architectural Joint Systems, addressing thehorizontal as well as vertical movements resulting in a movementclassification of class IV and at the same time enhances thewater-stopping properties of the insulation and seal within the safingslot.

The dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system according to thepresent invention is comprised of a tubular sealing element thataddresses the code exception and meets the requirements of standardmethod ASTM E 2307 and complies with the requirements of standard methodASTM E 1399, and is described in the following:

According to the present invention, the dynamic, thermally insulatingand sealing system for effectively thermally insulating and sealing of asafing slot within a building construction having a curtain wallconstruction defined by an interior wall surface including at least onevertical and at least one horizontal framing member and at least onefloor spatially disposed from the interior wall surface of the curtainwall construction defining the safing slot extending between theinterior wall surface of the curtain wall construction and an outer edgeof the floor, comprises:

a tubular sealing element comprising a thermally resistant flexible foammaterial for insulating and sealing, the tubular sealing elementpositioned in the safing slot, wherein the tubular sealing elementincludes:

-   -   a) a bottom side cover;    -   b) a top side cover;        -   whereby the top side cover is connected at two positions,            spatially disposed from each other, to the bottom side            cover; and whereby the bottom side cover and the top side            cover surround the thermally resistant flexible foam            material;    -   c) a first connection area for attaching the tubular sealing        element to the interior wall surface of the curtain wall        construction; and    -   d) a second connection area for attaching the tubular sealing        element to the outer edge of the floor.

In particular, the tubular sealing element according to the presentinvention is for use with a fire-resistance rated and movement-ratedcurtain wall construction, wherein the curtain wall structures have acommon curtain wall design including foil-faced curtain wall insulation,a steel back pan design or which include glass, especially vision glassextending to the finished floor level below. In addition, the tubularsealing element of the present invention, which can be a prefabricatedproduct, enhances the water-stopping properties of the dynamic,thermally insulating and sealing system. In particular, the tubularsealing element when installed prevents water infiltration as well asinhibits water transfer within the building structures and enhanceswater-tightness of the safing slot sealing system. The tubular sealingelement of the present invention comprises a thermally resistantflexible foam material for insulating and sealing, wherein the tubularsealing element is positioned in a safing slot present for example inbuildings utilizing curtain wall structures having a common curtain walldesign including foil-faced curtain wall insulation, a steel back pandesign or which include glass.

It is preferred that the first connection area for attaching the tubularsealing element to the interior wall surface of the curtain wallconstruction and the second connection area for attaching the tubularsealing element to the outer edge of the floor, each constitute of partsof the bottom side cover and the top side cover, which surround the foammaterial. Preferably the connection areas, also referred to as flexiblewings or tabs, projecting outwardly from the main body (wing-like) ofthe tubular sealing element. The connection areas are preferablypositioned at upper corners of the main body in an area where the bottomside cover is connected to the top side cover. Most preferably, theconnection areas are positioned at upper corners of the tubular sealingelement having approximately squared cross-section.

It is preferred that a lower side of the first connection area is forattaching the tubular sealing element to an interior wall surface of thecurtain wall construction and a lower side of the second connection areais for attaching the tubular sealing element to the top surface of thefloor thereby allowing to easily mount the dynamic, thermally insulatingand sealing system.

In a preferred embodiment, the tubular sealing element is placed intothe safing slot such that the top side cover is flush with the topsurface of the concrete floor. The tubular sealing element can beinserted in the safing slot from above or below the floor, preferably isinserted from above the floor, and the easily fixed to ensure completeseal of the safing slot.

In a preferred embodiment, the dynamic, thermally insulating and sealingsystem further comprises an adhesive layer positioned at the firstconnection area and/or the second connection area, wherein the adhesivelayer may be positioned on an upper or on a lower side of the connectionareas. Most preferred an adhesive layer is positioned on the lower sideof the connection areas. It is preferred, that the adhesive layer is ahot-melt adhesive, a butyl sealing, a double sided adhesive or aself-adhesive layer. In a preferred embodiment of the dynamic, thermallyinsulating and sealing system according to the present invention, theadhesive layer, including an adhesive backer, is a hot-meltself-adhesive layer. In a most preferred embodiment, the adhesive bakeris a silicone paper.

In a preferred embodiment of the tubular sealing element, the bottomside cover is a bottom side laminate. This laminate may comprise atleast two layers, preferably comprises three layers. In particular, thebottom side laminate comprises a plastic foil layer, preferablycomprising polyethylene, polypropylene or the like, wherein a mesh layeris laminated between the plastic foil layers, most preferably betweentwo polyethylene foil layers. In a most preferred embodiment, the bottomside laminate is a laminate having a glass fibre mesh layer laminatedbetween two polyethylene layers. Alternatively, the bottom side covermay also consist of one or more layers, such as layers or reinforcedlayers from a woven material, a woven fabric, a foil, a reinforced fiberfabric or the like, or a combination therefrom.

In a preferred embodiment of the tubular sealing element, the top sidecover is a top side laminate. This laminate may comprise at least twolayers, preferably comprises three layers. In particular, the top sidelaminate comprises an aluminum layer, a plastic foil layer, preferablycomprising polyethylene, polypropylene or the like, and a mesh layer.Most preferably, the top side laminate is constituted of a reinforcedaluminum layer with a polyethylene backing. Alternatively, the topsidecover may also consist of one or more layers, such as layers orreinforced layers from a woven material, a woven fabric, a foil, areinforced fiber fabric or the like, or a combination therefrom.

The bottom side cover and the top side cover can be of different or ofthe same materials depending on the material properties and intendedfunction. However, it is preferred that the bottom side cover and thetop side cover are of different materials.

In a particular preferred embodiment of the tubular sealing element, themesh layer of the bottom side laminate and/or the mesh layer of the topside laminate is made of a glass fiber material or a ceramic fibermaterial. The fiber mesh is used to retain the foam material in placeand enhance stability of the system as well as stabilizes the seal oncethe thermally resistant flexible foam material has been in contact withfire. The mesh layer of the bottom side laminate and/or the mesh layerof the top side laminate can be laminated between two layers ofcombustible foil for instance. Further, the mesh layer might be fixed orunfixed. Preferably, the mesh size of the mesh layer of the top sidelaminate differs from the mesh size of the mesh layer of the bottom sidelaminate. Preferably, the mesh sizes range in between of about 2 mm×2 mmto about 10 mm×10 mm, more preferably are about 5 mm×5 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the thermally resistant flexible foammaterial is an intumescent, open-celled foam material comprisingfire-protective additives having improved hydrophobic properties.Preferably, the intumescent, open-celled foam material, is a foammaterial based on polyurethane. It is preferred, that the thermallyresistant flexible foam material has a density in uncompressed state of90 kg/m³.

According to the invention, the cross-sectional form of the tubularsealing element is generally of rectangular, trapezoidal, circular shapeor U-shaped. Preferably, the cross-sectional form of the tubular sealingelement is rectangular shaped. The tubular sealing element can easily beproduced with different widths with regard to the cross-sectional form,for application in different safing slot widths, for example the tubularsealing element can be produced in a width of about 3.54 inches (about90 mm) that is used for a safing slot width of 1.5 inches to 3 inches(38.1 mm-76.2 mm), a width of about 4.53 inches (about 115 mm) that isused for a safing slot width of 2 inches to 4 inches (50.8 mm to 101.6mm), and further a width of about 5.55 inches (about 141 mm) that isused for a safing slot width of 3 inches to 5 inches (76.2 mm to 127mm). These different sizes ease installation in that that the tubularsealing element does not need to be force-compressed into the safingslot. In an alternative embodiment with the tubular sealing elementhaving a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, a larger side ofthe tubular sealing element can be positioned on the curtain wall sideand a smaller side of the tubular sealing element might be positioned onthe floor side. For example, the tubular sealing element might have athickness of 3.5 inches on the curtain wall side and a thickness of2.375 inches on the floor side thereby enhancing fire-stopping. Anyother dimensions for a trapezoidal shape are also feasible.

In a particular embodiment of the dynamic, thermally insulating andsealing system, the bottom side cover of the tubular sealing elementcomprises openings or perforations for water transfer from an inner sideof the tubular sealing element to the outside in case where water hasbeen infiltrated into the building structures and hence into the sealingelement, whereas the top side cover preferably does not containperforations or openings to prevent water entry from the top side by forexample rain. In an alternative embodiment, the outer surface of the topside cover is convex.

According to the present invention, the dynamic, thermally insulatingand sealing system is preferably installed in a safing slot bypreferably inserting the tubular sealing element form an upper side ofthe floor. To install the dynamic, thermally insulating and sealingsystem, the following steps may be carried out in total or just parts ofthem:

In a first step, the width of the desired edge of slab curtain walljoint is measured. Subsequently, the measured joint width is used fordetermining which width of the tubular sealing element of the dynamic,thermally insulating and sealing system is suitable for the presentjoint width, wherein each design of a tubular sealing element has apredetermined joint width range per product. Following, the length ofthe curtain wall joint is measured. This length usually is taken betweencurtain wall anchors.

In a next step, the length of the tubular sealing element of thedynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system is measured and cut ifnecessary to match the needed length. If necessary, the edge of thetubular sealing element is cut to match the profile of the bracket thatthe tubular sealing element will be installed against and the surface ofcurtain wall and slab is cleaned from dust, oil, debris, and water.

Following, the tubular sealing element of the dynamic, thermallyinsulating and sealing system is placed on its long end and aligned onthe edge of the slab. Subsequently, the tubular sealing element iscompressed and rolled 90 degrees over the edge of the slab into thecurtain wall joint. Once the tubular sealing element is installed flushwith the upper surface of the slab, the adhesive backers on the curtainwall tape are removed and the adhesive is bonded to the curtain wallfaçade. Next, the adhesive backer on the slab adhesive are removed andbonded to the slab edge.

If additional pieces of the tubular sealing element of the dynamic,thermally insulating and sealing system are needed previously disclosedsteps have to be repeated for the additional pieces.

Finally, each seam, splice or butt joint between adjacent tubularsealing elements and around each bracket might be sealed be applying awatertight seal just in this location to enhances the water-stoppingproperties of the dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system. Inparticular, the watertight seal can be applied with a 2 mm wet thicknessover any seams and overlapping a min. of 1 inch onto tubular sealingelements, the adjacent curtain wall assembly and concrete floor slabassembly. There is no need for applying the sealant across the wholesafing slot area. Preferably, the watertight seal is in the form of anemulsion, spray, coating, foam, paint or mastic.

In other words, the tubular sealing element is continuously installedwith an approximately 10% to 40% compression into the safing slot withside surface positioned in abutment with respect to the outer edge ofthe floor and in abutment with respect to the interior wall surface ofthe curtain wall construction, respectively, and with its top side coverpreferably being flush to the upper surface of the floor. Wheninstalling, one or more tubular sealing elements are compressed tovarying degrees, but normally compressed to approximately 10% to 40%.This compression will cause exertion of a force outwardly in order toexpand outwardly to fill voids created in the safing slot. The firstconnection area of the tubular sealing element is attached to theinterior wall surface of the curtain wall construction, wherein thefirst connection area is arranged essentially vertical, protrudingupwardly from the tubular sealing element, and parallel to the interiorwall surface of the curtain wall construction. The second connectionarea of the tubular sealing element is attached the upper surface of thefloor, wherein the second connection area is arranged essentiallyhorizontal, protruding outwardly from the tubular sealing element, andparallel to the upper surface of the floor making a flush connectionbetween the top side cover and the edge of the floor.

The dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system according to thepresent invention is preferably for use with a building constructiondefined by an interior wall surface including one or more framingmembers and at least one floor spatially disposed from the interior wallsurface of the curtain wall construction defining the safing slotextending between the interior wall surface of the curtain wallconstruction and an outer edge of the floor.

In particular, the building construction comprises a dynamic, thermallyinsulating and sealing system for effectively thermally insulating andsealing of the safing slot, wherein the dynamic, thermally insulatingand sealing system comprises:

a tubular sealing element comprising a thermally resistant flexible foammaterial for insulating and sealing, the tubular sealing elementpositioned in the safing slot, wherein the tubular sealing elementincludes:

-   -   a) a bottom side cover;    -   b) a top side cover;        -   whereby the top side cover is connected at two positions,            spatially disposed from each other, to the bottom side            cover; and whereby the bottom side cover and the top side            cover surround the thermally resistant flexible foam            material;    -   c) a first connection area for attaching the tubular sealing        element to the interior wall surface of the curtain wall        construction;    -   d) a second connection area for attaching the tubular sealing        element to the outer edge of the floor; and

at least one adhesive layer for fixing the tubular sealing element tothe curtain wall construction.

The building construction can comprise a curtain wall construction thatis comprised of a vision glass infill and at least one vertical and atleast one horizontal metal framing member. Alternatively, the buildingconstruction can comprise a curtain wall construction having a commoncurtain wall design including foil-faced curtain wall insulation or asteel back pan design.

The dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system according to thepresent invention can be used in a stick-built exterior dynamic curtainwall façade or used in assembling a unitized panel for use within anexterior dynamic curtain wall assembly. In particular, the tubularsealing element can be part of an unitized panel construction. Aunitized curtain wall panel production allows the curtain wallmanufacturers to install all required curtain wall components off siteand then ship the complete unitized panel onsite for an easy quickinstallation on to the building.

The dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system of the presentinvention is also for acoustically insulating and sealing of a safingslot of a curtain wall structure. The material used for insulating andsealing may be of a sound resistant and/or air tight material, such asan elastomeric interlaced foam based on synthetic rubber (e.g.Armaprotect® or Armaflex® from Armacell®), a polyethylene foam, apolyurethane foam, a polypropylene foam or a polyvinyl chloride foam.

While the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly describedherein, a preferred embodiment is set forth in the following detaileddescription, which may be best understood when read in connection withthe accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thedynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system between the outer edgeof a floor and the interior wall surface of a glass curtain wallconstruction when initially installed and attached to a horizontalframing member (transom at floor level, i.e. zero spandrel) in anunitized curtain wall construction, wherein the vision glass extends tothe finished floor level below. In particular, the dynamic, thermallyinsulating and sealing system 100 is initially installed in the area ofa zero spandrel area of a glass curtain wall construction, defined by aninterior wall surface 1 including one or more framing members, i.e.,vertical framing member—mullion 2—and horizontal framing member—transom3—which is located at the floor level, and at least one floor 4spatially disposed from the interior wall surface 1 of the curtain wallconstruction defining a safing slot 5 extending between the interiorwall surface 1 of the curtain wall construction and an outer edge 6 ofthe floor 4. The framing members 2 and 3 are infilled with vision glass7 extending to the finished floor level below. The dynamic, thermallyinsulating and sealing system 100 of the present invention has a tubularsealing element 8 comprising a top side cover 9 and a bottom side cover10 which together surround a thermally resistant flexible foam material11. The foam material is an intumescent foam material on a polyurethanebase with a certain percentage of fire-protective additive materials,preferably blowing graphite. During an event of a fire, the intumescentmaterials will create an ash crust which will provide the fireprotective function. The foam composition can be adjusted i.e. density,firestop filler percentage, etc. so that the necessary fire protectivefunction is provided to the safing slot. Preferably, the tubular sealingelement 8 has an approximately rectangular cross section with an uppersurface 12, a lower surface 13 being arranged approximately in parallelto each other and a first side surface 14 and a second side surface 15being arranged approximately in parallel to each other. Preferably, thetop side cover 9 is a top side laminate 9, which builds the uppersurface 12, whereas the bottom side cover 10 preferably is a bottom sidelaminate 10, which builds the lower surface 13 and both side surfaces 14and 15. The thermally resistant flexible foam material 11 is enclosedfrom the top side cover 9 and the bottom side cover 10, wherein thethermally resistant flexible foam material 11 is connected to innersurfaces of the top side cover 9 and of the bottom side cover 10. Whenmounted, the first side surface 14 of the tubular sealing element 8 isadjacent to the outer edge 6 of the floor 4 and the second side surface15 is adjacent to the interior wall surface 1 of the curtain wallconstruction preferably adjacent to the insulation positioned in azero-spandrel area 17 of the curtain wall construction. The uppersurface 12 of the mounted tubular sealing element 8 is flush with theupper surface 18 of the floor 4. In the present embodiment the tubularsealing element 8 has a smaller height than the floor 4, wherein theheight of the tubular sealing element 8 is preferably about half of theheight of the floor 4.

FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 show the structure of the tubular sealing element 8 inmore detail. The top side laminate 9 as well as the bottom side laminate10 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 each preferably comprise threelayers. The bottom side laminate 10 comprises two layers 20, 21 of aplastic foil i.e. a combustible polyethylene, polypropylene or the likeand a reinforced mesh layer 22, i.e. a glass fiber mesh laminatedbetween the layers 20 and 21 of combustible foil. Preferably, layers 20and 21 are polyethylene layers with the mesh layer 22 or a gridlaminated between layer 20 and layer 21. The reinforced mesh layer 22 isused to retain the foam material 11 in place once it has been activatedduring a fire event. An ash crust, which is built by the foam material11 during a fire event provides the fire protective function. The topside laminate 9 comprises an inner layer 24 and an outer layer 25wherein at least one layer 24, 25 can comprise or can be made ofaluminum, whereas one layer 24, 25 can comprise or can be made of aplastic foil i.e. a combustible polyethylene, polypropylene or the like.Further, the top side laminate 9 comprises a reinforced mesh layer 26laminated between the layers 24 and 25. In a preferred embodiment, theouter layer 25 of the top side laminate 9 is an aluminum foil and theinner layer 24 of the top side laminate 9 is a a polyethylene foil, withthe glass fibre mesh layer 26 laminated in between. The grid sizes ofthe mesh layer 22 of the bottom side laminate 10 and of the mesh layer26 of the top side laminate 9 might be similar or can differ from eachother, wherein the mesh layers 22 and 26 preferably have a mesh size ofabout 5 mm×5 mm

For attaching the dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system 100to the outer edge 6 of the floor 4 and to the interior wall surface ofthe curtain wall construction the tubular sealing element 8 comprises afirst connection area 28 and a second connection area 29. Eachconnection area 28, 29 preferably is constructed jointly by the top sidecover 9 and the bottom side cover 10 being attached to each other planarin the first connection area 28 and in the second connection area 29.The connection areas 28, 29, or tabs, project from a corner of thetubular sealing element 8, in which the upper surface 12 of the top sidecover 9 is connected to the first side surface 14 or the second sidesurface 15 of the bottom side cover 10, respectively. The wing-likeconnection areas 28, 29 are flexibly movable relative to the rectangularmain shape of the tubular sealing element 8 and can be swiveled aboutapproximately 270°. On a lower side of each connection areas 28, 29 anadhesive layer 23, 27 is arranged, which may extend over the entirelength of the lower sides of the connection areas 28, 29 or which justmight cover a part of the lower sides of the connection areas 28, 29.The adhesive layers 23, 27 are used to adhere the tubular sealingelement 8 to the interior wall surface of the curtain wall constructionand to the outer edge 6 of the floor 4. Further, the adhesive layers 23,27 will hold the tubular sealing element 8 in place and ensure sealingagainst water and sound. During a fire event, minimal adhesion willremain intact. The adhesives are located on the tabs 28, 29 so that itcan provide an instant rain resistant protection as well as ease ofinstallation for the curtain wall constructor. The first connection area28 is for attaching the tubular sealing element 8 to the curtain wallstructure, wherein the lower side of the connection area 28 might beattached to the interior wall surface 1 of the curtain wall structurefor example in the area of the transom 3. In a mounted position of thedynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system 100 the firstconnection area 28 is aligned with the interior wall surface 1 andapproximately vertically arranged. The second connection area 29 is forattaching the tubular sealing element 8 to the upper surface 18 of thefloor 4. In a mounted position of the dynamic, thermally insulating andsealing system 100 the second connection area 29 is aligned with theupper surface 18 of the floor and approximately horizontally arranged.As can be seen in FIG. 5 the bottom side laminate 10 comprises a largenumber of regularly or irregularly distributed openings 31 orperforations for water transfer from the foam material 11 through thebottom side laminate 10 to an outer side of the dynamic, thermallyinsulating and sealing system 100 in case there is an infiltration ofwater to the system. Preferably, the openings 31 are arranged in threerows.

FIG. 6 shows the application of the above described dynamic, thermallyinsulating and sealing system 100 with the tubular sealing element 8within a standard curtain wall construction, wherein the tubular sealingelement 8 is arranged between the outer edge 6 of a floor 4 and theinterior wall surface 1 of a standard curtain wall construction.

FIG. 7 shows the application of the above described dynamic, thermallyinsulating and sealing system 100 with the tubular sealing element 8with a curtain wall construction having steel back pan design, whereinthe tubular sealing element 8 is arranged between the outer edge 6 of afloor 4 and the interior wall surface 1 of the curtain wall constructionin steel back pan design.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the tubular sealing element with analternative shape. The tubular sealing element 35 has a trapezoidalshape and a convex top surface. During fire tests, this tubular sealingelement design also ensures complete seal of the safing slot due to itsshape. The tubular sealing element 35 has a trapezoidal shape, wherebythe curtain wall side will have a thicker profile compared to the floorside. For example, the tubular sealing element 35 might have a thicknessof 3.5 inches on the curtain wall side and a thickness of 2.375 incheson the floor side.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thetubular sealing element having a trapezoidal cross section and a convextop side cover.

It should be appreciated that these embodiments of the present inventionwill work with many different types of insulating materials used for thetubular sealing element as long as the material has effective hightemperature insulating and water-proofing characteristics.

The dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system of the presentapplication has been subject to a test according to standard method ASTME 2307, Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance ofPerimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-story Apparatus,2015, and to a test according to standard method ASTM Designation: E1399-97 (Reapproved 2005), Standard Test Method for Cyclic Movement andMeasuring the Minimum and Maximum Joint Widths of Architectural JointSystems, as follows:

Elements and Assembly Description

The dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system of the presentapplication has been tested with curtain wall structures having a commoncurtain wall design including foil-faced curtain wall insulation, asteel back pan design or which include glass, especially vision glassextending to the finished floor level below. Following, the applicationof the dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system of the presentapplication with a glass curtain wall structure is given. The dynamic,thermally insulating and sealing system of the present application hasbeen tested in the largest possible safing slot, i.e. having a jointwidth of 5 inch (127 mm).

1. Concrete Floor Assembly (Floor, 2-Hour Fire-Rating):

2 hour rated concrete floor assembly made from either lightweight ornormal weight concrete with a density of 100 to 150 pcf, having a min.thickness of 4½ inch at the joint face. There was a 5 inch open joint(safing slot) from wall to slab.

2. Curtain Wall (Non Fire-Rated, 0 Hours Fire-Rated):

Curtain wall constructed of rectangular hollow tubing with a min.dimension of 2½ inch wide and 4 inch deep (total depth of wall includingmin. ¼ inch glass and min. ½ inch aluminum cap is min. 5¼ inch), madefrom min. 0.1 inch thick aluminum (framing members). A min. of ¼ inchthick clear, heat strengthened or tempered glass (vision glass) wasinstalled in place with aluminum compression plates (caps) and glazinggaskets.

3. Spandrel Angles:

Min. 22 GA 2 inch×2 inch galvanized steel angles installed aroundperimeter of spandrel. Positioning so that the curtain wall insulation,when placed flush against the back surface of the angle, is flush withthe internal surface of the vertical framing members. Securing of theangle to the underside of the upper transom as well as the verticalmembers with min. ¾ inch No. 10 self-tapping sheet metal screws spaced amax. 8 inch oc. Steel angles to overlap in each corner and be securedtogether with two sheet metal screws.

4. Curtain Wall Insulation:

All spandrel panels were insulated with a min. 3 inch thick, 8 pcf,mineral wool curtain wall insulation, faced on one side with aluminumfoil scrim (vapor retarder) which is exposed to the room interior.Insulation was tightly fitted between vertical framing members andsecured to spandrel angles with steel screws or impaling pins, and steelclinch shields placed a max. 12 in. oc. Min. 3 screws required onvertical angles. All meeting edges of insulation with aluminum framingmembers were sealed with nom. 4 inch wide pressure sensitive aluminumfoil faced tape centered over the junction.

5. Framing Covers (Optional):

If desired, strips made of min. 2 in. thick×8 in. wide, 8 pcf, mineralwool curtain wall insulation are installed, faced on one side withaluminum foil scrim (vapor retarder) which is exposed to the roominterior. Framing covers are centered over each vertical framing memberand secured to spandrel angles with steel screws or impaling pins, andsteel clinch shields and clips spaced min 10 in. oc. Framing covers arebutted to the bottom surface of the perimeter joint treatment.

6. Safing Slot Insulation Material (Perimeter Joint Protection):

The dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system, in particular thetubular sealing element of the invention was positioned into theperimeter joint such that the top surface of the element is flush withthe top surface of the concrete floor. Paper from the adhesive has beenremoved and the tabs (wings) have been adhered to top side of concretefloor and front face of the mullion. Splices (butt joints) were tightlycompressed together (approximately ⅛ inch).

7. Mounting Attachment:

Attach aluminum framing to the structure framing according to thecurtain wall manufacturer's instructions connect the mountingattachments to the joint face of the concrete floor assembly accordingto the curtain wall manufacturer's instructions.

8. Joint Cover:

After perimeter joint protection is installed an architectural jointcover, installed per curtain wall manufacturer's instructions, may beused to completely cover the joint.

Testing and Evaluation Methods

1. ASTM E 2307:

Instrumentation:

Thirty-five (35) 24 GA, Type K, fiberglass jacketed thermocouples (TCs)were installed in compliance with the standard: 12 TCs measured thetemperature up to the center of the exterior, 11 TCs measured thetemperatures on the perimeter joint and the supporting frame, and 12 TCsmeasured furnace temperatures. The output of the thermocouples wasmonitored by a 100-channel Yokogawa, Inc., Darwin Data Acquisition Unit.The computer was programmed to scan and save data every 15 seconds.

Test Standard:

Testing was conducted in accordance with the applicable requirements,and following the standard method of ASTM E 2307, Standard Test Methodfor Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers UsingIntermediate-Scale, Multi-story Apparatus, 2015.

The assembly was secured to the test laboratory's Intermediate-Scale,Multi-story Test Apparatus (ISMA), with ceramic fiber insulationinstalled between the assembly and the furnace to create an effectiveseal. The window burner was centered on the vertical centerline of thewindow, 9 inch below the top of the opening, and with the longitudinalcenterline of the burner 3 inch from the plane of the exterior wall,consistent with the standard and the calibration of the test apparatus.The assembly was tested using commercial grade propane gas at the flowrates determined during calibration of the apparatus.

2. ASTM E 1399:

Instrumentation:

A welded steel testing apparatus in combination with hydrauliccylinders, was used to cycle the test specimen to a specified maximumand minimum joint width and with the required number of continuousrepetitious movements, in accordance to the desired movementclassification. The joint width displacement output was calibrated withpredetermined hardware locations and monitored to an accuracy of0.25±0.013 mm (0.010±0.005 in.).

Test Standard:

Testing was conducted in accordance with the applicable requirements,and following the standard method of ASTM Designation: E 1399-97(Reapproved 2005), Standard Test Method for Cyclic Movement andMeasuring the Minimum and Maximum Joint Widths of Architectural JointSystems.

The assembly was secured to the test laboratory's Intermediate-Scale,Multi-story Test Apparatus (ISMA), with a combination of varioushardware and threaded rods. The hydraulic cylinders were centered withthe assembly so that a consistent and uniform load distribution wasapplied to the testing specimen. The hydraulic cylinders were attachedto the predetermined locations on the ISMA to accomplish the desiredmovement classes in the vertical and horizontal directions.

Cycling was performed by applying a minimum number of cycles 100 withcycling rates greater or equal to 30 cpm followed by a minimum number ofcycles 400 with cycling rates greater or equal to 10 cpm, to comply withthe requirements for a class IV movement rating.

Results

The test assembly as described achieved an F-Rating of 120 min as wellas a movement rating of class IV.

It has been shown, that the dynamic, thermally insulating and sealingsystem of the present invention for sealing between the edge of a floorand an interior wall surface of a curtain wall construction maintainssealing of the safing slots surrounding the floor of each level in abuilding.

It has been demonstrated that the dynamic, thermally insulating andsealing system, in particular for a glass curtain wall structure, of thepresent invention is capable of meeting or exceeding existing fire testand building code requirements including existing exceptions.Additionally, maintaining safing insulation between the floors of aresidential or commercial building and the exterior curtain wallresponsive to various conditions including fire exposure is guaranteed.

Further, it has, in particular, been shown, that the dynamic, thermallyinsulating and sealing system of the present invention meets therequirements of a full-scale ASTM E 2307 as well as full-scale ASTM E1399 tested system for floor assemblies where the vision glass extendsto the finished floor level, addressing the code exception, avoidingletters and engineering judgments and securing and providingdefined/tested architectural detail for this application, in particularproviding a tested system for fire- and movement-safe architecturalcompartmentation.

The tested system according to the present invention can be installedfrom one side, implementing a one-sided application.

Further, the dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system of thepresent application can be easily mounted with a low compression indifferent sizes of safing slots as it is provided in different sizes,nevertheless providing optimal fire resistance.

It has also been shown, that the system can be employed in a stick-builtexterior dynamic curtain wall façade or used in assembling a unitizedpanel for use within an exterior dynamic curtain wall.

Further, a system is provided that has improved fire-resistance as wellas sound-resistance, and has at the same time enhanced water-stoppingproperties and can be easily integrated during installation of thecurtain wall structure. Further, the provided fire-resistance-ratedthermally insulating and sealing system additionally addresses waterinfiltration as well as inhibition of water transfer within the buildingstructures and enhancement of water-tightness of the safing slot sealingsystem.

It has been also shown that a building construction is providedcomprising such a dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system foreffectively thermally insulating and sealing of the safing slot betweena curtain wall structure and the edge of a floor.

As such, the dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system of thepresent invention provides a system for effectively maintaining acomplete seal in a safing slot when utilizing a curtain wallconstruction, especially a glass curtain wall construction, vision glassextends to the finished floor level below.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in thedrawings and described above, it will be apparent that many changes maybe made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elementsof the combination. In consideration thereof, it should be understoodthat preferred embodiments of this invention disclosed herein areintended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A tubular sealing element for insulating andsealing, the tubular sealing element comprising: a thermally resistantflexible foam material; a bottom side cover; a top side cover, connectedat two positions, spatially disposed from each other, to the bottom sidecover, wherein the bottom side cover and the top side cover togethersurround the thermally resistant flexible foam material; a firstconnection area configured for attaching the tubular sealing element toan interior wall surface of a curtain wall construction; a secondconnection area configured for attaching the tubular sealing element toan outer edge of a floor; and at least one adhesive layer configured forfixing the tubular sealing element to the curtain wall construction. 22.The tubular sealing element of claim 21, wherein the bottom side coverand the top side cover are configured to allow compression of thethermally resistant flexible foam material between the interior wallsurface and the outer edge of the floor during installation.
 23. Thetubular sealing element of claim 21, wherein the bottom side cover andthe top side cover overlap over at least a portion of the firstconnection area, and wherein the bottom side cover and the top sidecover overlap over at least a portion of the second connection area. 24.The tubular sealing element of claim 21, wherein the first connectionarea and the second connection area each constitute parts of the bottomside cover and the top side cover.
 25. The tubular sealing element ofclaim 21, wherein the top side cover is a top side laminate comprisingat least two layers and wherein the bottom side cover is a bottom sidelaminate comprising at least two layers.
 26. The tubular sealing elementof claim 25, wherein the bottom side laminate comprises a reinforcedplastic foil layer.
 27. The tubular sealing element of claim 25, whereinthe top side laminate comprises a reinforced aluminum foil layer. 28.The tubular sealing element of claim 25, wherein the top side laminatecomprises a mesh layer made of a glass fiber material or a ceramic fibermaterial and wherein the bottom side laminate comprises a mesh layermade of a glass fiber material or a ceramic fiber material.
 29. Thetubular sealing element of claim 28, wherein the mesh layer of top sidelaminate has a different mesh size compared to the mesh layer of thebottom side laminate.
 30. The tubular sealing element of claim 21,wherein a lower side of the first connection area is configured forattaching the tubular sealing element to the interior wall surface ofthe curtain wall construction and a lower side of the second connectionarea is configured for attaching the tubular sealing element to a topsurface of the floor.
 31. The tubular sealing element of claim 21,wherein the tubular sealing element is configured for positioning into asafing slot between the interior wall surface and the floor, so that thetop side cover is flush with a top surface of the floor.
 32. The tubularsealing element of claim 21, wherein the at least one adhesive layer ison the first connection area and/or on the second connection area. 33.The tubular sealing element of claim 21, wherein the thermally resistantflexible foam material is an intumescent, open-celled foam materialcomprising a fire-protective additive.
 34. The tubular sealing elementof claim 21, wherein the thermally resistant flexible foam material hasa density in uncompressed state of 90 kg/m³.
 35. The tubular sealingelement of claim 21, having a cross-sectional shape which is generallyrectangular, trapezoidal, circular, or U-shaped.
 36. The tubular sealingelement of claim 21, wherein the bottom side cover comprises openings orperforations for water transfer from an inner side of the tubularsealing element to the outside.
 37. The tubular sealing element of claim21, wherein the tubular sealing element has a width of about 3.54 inches(about 90 mm) in a cross-sectional view, a width of about 4.53 inches(about 115 mm) in a cross-sectional view, or a width of about 5.55inches (about 141 mm) in a cross-sectional view.
 38. A dynamic,thermally insulating and sealing system for effectively thermallyinsulating and sealing of a safing slot within a building constructionhaving a curtain wall construction defined by an interior wall surfaceincluding at least one vertical and at least one horizontal framingmember and at least one floor spatially disposed from the interior wallsurface of the curtain wall construction defining the safing slotextending between the interior wall surface of the curtain wallconstruction and an outer edge of the floor, the system comprising thetubular sealing element of claim
 21. 39. A building construction havinga curtain wall construction defined by an interior wall surfaceincluding one or more framing members and at least one floor spatiallydisposed from the interior wall surface of the curtain wall constructiondefining the safing slot extending between the interior wall surface ofthe curtain wall construction and an outer edge of the floor, comprisingthe dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system of claim
 38. 40.The building construction according to claim 39, wherein the curtainwall construction is a glass curtain wall construction or a curtain wallconstruction having a steel back pan design or a common curtain wallconstruction including foil-faced curtain wall insulation.